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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer help for LGBTQ+ issues in Charlotte, NC

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

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1,055 people sought LGBTQIA+ counseling help at Charlotte in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a LGBTQIA+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +18 more

As a wife and mother of 3 adopted children, one who identifies with they/them pronouns and is in a same sex marriage, I have experience with diversity... As a wife and mother of 3 adopted children, one who identifies with they/them pronouns and is in a same sex marriage, I have experience with diversity. Read more

46 more therapist available in North Carolina

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Laura Harris

Hear from Laura Harris, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

View Laura Harris's profile

What is your go-to approach for LGBTQ+ counseling?

My go-to approach for helping people in LGBTQ+ counseling is to validate and normalize diverse expressions of identity. I find the benefit in this because under and misrepresented groups can be vulnerable to distress. This can occur by internalizing negative narratives and/or the anticipation of real and perceived threats to the individual’s diverse expression of their identity within the inclusive term used to represent lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning.

What tools do you teach in LGBTQ+ counseling?

I teach the following tools in LGBTQ+ counseling:

  • Resilience skills. This refers to techniques for successful adjustment to adversity
  • Self-Care practices. This refers to a set of personal care practices that an individual can accomplish without the help of anyone else.
  • Psycho-education. This refers to learning about mental health issues
  • Self-Acceptance. This refers to techniques that are used to increase an ability of abilities and limitations
  • Awareness of values and beliefs. This approach is used to increase awareness of priorities and other factors that influence motivation
  • Social Skills. Social skills refer to techniques to interact with people appropriately. This can include identifying supports and involving oneself in a community with similarly identified folks.
  • Coping Skills: Refers to techniques to deal with a negative or overwhelming issue
  • Assertiveness Skills: Refers to a respectful communication technique that promotes clear expression of feelings and needs

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in LGBTQ+ counseling?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in LGBTQ+ counseling when they are achieving measurable objectives in route to their goal. Therapists generally rely on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time Limited) goals. When we can specifically identify what needs to occur to know that a goal is being met then we are better able to measure progress!

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement LGBTQ+ counseling?

Clients can supplement their time in LBTQ+ counseling with practicing skills learned in counseling, ensuring that their therapeutic goals align with area of need, completing homework assignments, identifying and providing topics for session, identifying and disclosing meaningful events and if unsure simply asking.

What should someone do to prepare for starting LGBTQ+ counseling?

To prepare for your first LGBTQ+ session, you can schedule your appointment at a time when you will not be interrupted. Prepare for your appointment by finishing paperwork in advance. Ensure that you have a stable connection and microphone and camera work. It is helpful to bring a notebook and pen for note taking. Plan to discuss your current issue, history and goals. Try to be as transparent when discussing intention and issues and ask questions on things you are unsure about.

Starting LGBTQIA+ counseling

Need more help deciding?

Counseling for Charlotte’s LGBTQ Community–Therapists and Counselors in Charlotte, NC

The therapists, counselors, and life coaches at Thriveworks Charlotte understand that one of the most powerful changes people can make within their lives is acknowledging who they are to themselves and to the world. This means being honest about what they like and dislike, about how they are strong and weak, where they experience happiness and discontent, and of course, about who they are—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and sexually.

Living life with honesty takes courage and probably a little support along the way. That is why Thriveworks Charlotte offers LGBTQ informed therapy. No one should have to navigate issues regarding their sexuality and their mental health alone. We are here for you. Reach out to Thriveworks to schedule an LGBTQ counseling session today.

What Could LGBTQ Therapy Look Like?

The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Charlotte try to address life’s issues within their proper context. While sexuality is not the entirety of who people are, it is a major factor in forming one’s identity—what makes you who you are. You are a unique individual. Your story is unlike anyone else’s. The challenges you face are your challenges. The opportunities you have are your opportunities. When you begin therapy at Thriveworks Charlotte, your time will likely begin by building trust as you get to know your counselor, and your counselor gets to know you too. You may discuss what brought you to schedule therapy. Therapist may ask questions such as…

  • What is exciting in your life right now?
  • What is your living situation like?
  • Is there something about your life you would change if you could?
  • Where do you see yourself in a year? Three years? Five? More?
  • How did you come to decision to seek out a counselor?

Many cultural representations of therapy focus upon problems and difficulties and shortcomings. While hardships are real, therapy is much more focused upon the positive. What are your strengths? Where do you feel comfortable? What opportunities do you want to pursue and how can you do that? Many times, people need to learn relational and emotional skills that help them succeed in achieving what they want out of life.

Therapy is often a process of self-discovering, where you can learn about your strengths and weaknesses and where you can learn what you need and how to get it. Counseling sessions often focus upon creating a judgment-free, safe space where these issues can be explored without shame. In therapy, clients often feel free to speak openly and honestly—to name and explore ideas they otherwise would not dare discuss.

Common Discussions in LGBTQ+ Counseling

Topics that come up in LGBTQ therapy:

  • “Coming out” issues
  • Family concerns
  • Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
  • Healthy communication
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Transcending gender roles
  • Depression
  • Gender and sexual identity
  • Dating and other relationships
  • Addiction
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Past trauma and abuse

Scheduling LGBTQ+ Counseling at Thriveworks Charlotte

What is happening in your life right now? If you are facing discrimination or marginalization, know that we are sorry for what you are experiencing. There is no shame in who you are. If you are navigating additional difficulties because of your sexuality and who you are, know that you are not alone. The professionals at Thriveworks Charlotte are ready to stand with you and for you.

When you contact our office, a person will answer. Our scheduling specialists will help you schedule an appointment. Many new clients have their first appointment within the week of their first call. We also accept many forms of insurance as well as offer evening and weekend appointments. Let’s work together for more acceptance and inclusion. Contact Thriveworks Charlotte today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Charlotte therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Charlotte
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have been seeing Terryn Maher for a couple of months now and she is awesome!! Very knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, thoughtful, caring, etc. I could go on for awhile. I’ve been in counseling with another therapist for about 14 years but I already feel like I’m getting so much more from working with Terryn. Thriveworks on a whole has been great to work with as well. They are easy to work with and schedule appointments with. I was nervous about working with a company over directly with just the therapist but it has actually worked out well. I highly recommend them!
Read more I have been seeing Terryn Maher for a couple of months now and she is awesome!! Very knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, thoughtful, caring, etc. I could go on for awhile. I’ve been in counseling with another therapist for about 14 years but I already feel like I’m getting so much more from working with Terryn. Thriveworks on a whole has been great to work with as well. They are easy to work with and schedule appointments with. I was nervous about working with a company over directly with just the therapist but it has actually worked out well. I highly recommend them!
Jennifer Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very helpful
Clifford Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my therapist and psychiatrist
John Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very helpful She is a pro. I know because I’ve had a lot of therapists. I’d give Thriveworks 6 stars if I could
Read more Very helpful She is a pro. I know because I’ve had a lot of therapists. I’d give Thriveworks 6 stars if I could
Alfred Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My online visits with William have been a God-send! His style is relaxed, but attentive. I highly recommend ThriveWorks for your counseling needs.
Read more My online visits with William have been a God-send! His style is relaxed, but attentive. I highly recommend ThriveWorks for your counseling needs.
Jody Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Krystal made my first session very comfortable and welcoming. Her goal is to get the best version of yourself she can. I can’t thank her enough for saving my life when I didn’t even know how desperate I was to be saved. HIGHLY recommend her services.
Read more Krystal made my first session very comfortable and welcoming. Her goal is to get the best version of yourself she can. I can’t thank her enough for saving my life when I didn’t even know how desperate I was to be saved. HIGHLY recommend her services.
Belinda Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My Therapist Sara M. is an amazing Therapist. She is an excellent listener, coach, and is very attentive to the needs of the patient. I was able to connect with her in ways that I have not been able to connect with prior therapist. I am truly grateful to have found Thrivewoks and their referral to Sara M.
Read more My Therapist Sara M. is an amazing Therapist. She is an excellent listener, coach, and is very attentive to the needs of the patient. I was able to connect with her in ways that I have not been able to connect with prior therapist. I am truly grateful to have found Thrivewoks and their referral to Sara M.
Gloria Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am very impressed with Rikki Hester. She is very professional and has a warm caring manner. I look forward to our weekly sessions.
Read more I am very impressed with Rikki Hester. She is very professional and has a warm caring manner. I look forward to our weekly sessions.
Ellen Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Charlotte is near the corner of Park Road and Woodlawn Road. We are across the street from Starbucks and Exxon. Sharonview Federal Credit Union is the building next to our office.

Phone number

(980) 217-6901

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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